MNRE Issues Revised Guidelines for Prototype Wind Turbine Installation and Testing in India

Introduction

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released comprehensively updated guidelines for prototype wind turbine installation and testing, superseding earlier versions from 2012 and 2016 to address the evolving technological and regulatory needs of India’s wind energy sector.[1]

Explanation (Key Points)

The guidelines establish strict and internationally recognized certification requirements, accepting only two specific certification schemes: IECRE OD 501 and IS/IEC 61400-22:2010. Manufacturers must submit comprehensive documentation including contracts with internationally accredited testing and certification bodies along with valid prototype certificates for specific installation locations.

Documentation requirements address various scenarios that may arise during the certification process. When location details are missing from prototype certificates, manufacturers must provide separate certification body letters confirming location suitability and technical requirements.

Prototype certificate validity extends up to three years from the date of issuance, with extension possibilities available under clause 6.3 of IECRE OD 501. Extensions require submission of detailed turbine model change lists and revised NIWE recommendation letters, accommodating necessary design evolution during the development process. Importantly, model names must remain consistent even with variants or configuration changes.

Installation limitations carefully balance innovation support with grid safety by restricting each prototype model to a maximum of three commissioned units synchronized with the grid.

Timeline requirements establish clear deadlines that ensure prompt completion of testing activities. Prototype turbines must achieve commissioning within 18 months of NIWE’s recommendation letter, with complete type testing and certification required within three years. For revised prototype certificates, the process extends to four years from the original recommendation date.

Maintenance requirements ensure continued safety and performance throughout the testing period through mandatory regular maintenance with annual certificates from type certification bodies confirming ongoing compliance. Failure to meet maintenance requirements may result in grid disconnection.

Commercial restrictions prevent premature market entry by prohibiting prototype turbine sales until model inclusion in the Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM). Mass production and wider installation are strictly prohibited until this inclusion is granted, ensuring that only fully certified models enter commercial deployment.

Quality assurance requirements mandate that all prototype components be new and unused, with second-hand equipment strictly prohibited. This requirement ensures that prototype testing reflects actual commercial product performance rather than degraded performance from used components. However, modifications are permitted if they follow prescribed processes outlined in the guidelines.

Financial incentive provisions allow manufacturers to avail of customs and excise duty exemptions for imported or procured components, as per relevant government notifications.

Legal compliance requirements mandate that manufacturers submit affidavits and indemnity bonds to both NIWE and respective State agencies, committing to all terms and conditions outlined in the guidelines. Violation of any conditions may result in forced disconnection and removal of prototype turbines at the manufacturer’s cost.

Conclusion

MNRE’s revised prototype guidelines establish a comprehensive and balanced framework that effectively supports wind turbine innovation while maintaining rigorous safety and performance standards essential for grid stability and public safety. The three-unit installation limitation, combined with comprehensive certification requirements and ongoing maintenance oversight, ensures thorough technology testing without compromising grid reliability or safety standards.